How to Make Fast (And Cheap!) Furniture Purchases Even With Supply Chain Problems

Saving money on make fast cheap furniture does not have to be complicated. We rounded up the essentials so you can spend less and skip the guesswork.

Key Takeaways

• You need a couch, but inventory is back-ordered for six months.
• You'd like to replace your bed frame, but there's a lumber shortage...
• Here’s what to do.  Furnishing your space has never been a simple undertaking.

You need a couch, but inventory is back-ordered for six months. You'd like to replace your bed frame, but there's a lumber shortage... Here’s what to do. 

Furnishing your space has never been a simple undertaking. Sure, it’s simple enough to hop on Pinterest and create a drool-worthy vision board of your dream living room- but it is a whole separate effort to finance said space, and lately, you might be pressed to even find furniture that will make it to your doorstep with any kind of speed. Then, of course, there are frequently assembly costs (or other hands-on efforts) involved. 

Whether you’re looking to furnish a new place or upgrade existing pieces, you might consider alternatives to traditional online shopping, to… you know… avoid sitting on a half-couch for the foreseeable future. We’ve pulled together some solid options for you to consider in addition to more traditional shopping outlets. 

Antiques

One tried-and-true furniture option is to explore antique, vintage, and even thrift shops in your area. Making a day of it can be a excellent way to spend time with friends, unearthing quirky treasures- including sturdily-built furniture that has already stood the test of time. So grab the girls, make a brunch date, and shop until you drop. A four-person dining set for $200, a solid pine bookcase for $50: you will likely uncover some deals without having to leave town for pickup. 

Asking Around

It’s also worth asking family members if you can take any old pieces of furniture off their hands. Plenty of heirloom dressers, chairs, and hutches turn up at local estate sales, but you may find items that friends or relatives are eager to offload before it gets that far. Furniture takes up space, which is a premium in numerous markets. Ask around and you may be surprised. 

Used pieces infuse your decor with “character, craftsmanship, and a real-life, lived-in quality,” says Stephanie Marie Seferian, author of Sustainable Minimalism. They’re also frequently crafted from sturdier materials (think solid wood, instead of particleboard), which stand the test of time. So if the thought of your home looking like every other Ikea-furnished apartment on the block turns your stomach, know that used furniture will bring a sense of personality to your home, right out the gate.

Facebook, Craigslist, & eBay 

Don’t love the idea of wandering dusty aisles and unearthing used gems? Live far away from the folks you can scout for spare pieces? You can still enjoy the benefits of antique and used furniture, minus the in-person treasure hunt. 

If you’re in search of something specific, say, a white bookcase or a Pottery Barn bed frame, sites like Ebay and Facebook Marketplace make it simple to narrow down results quickly. You can also limit your search radius by location; driving to pick up your own furniture (whether assembled or temporarily disassembled) can also help you save big on shipping costs. 

For pieces that have been online for weeks or longer, consider making an offer under the asking cost. Folks are frequently ready to offload used furniture in anticipation of a move or other household change. The seller may counter-offer, but you’re likely to walk away with a steal regardless!

Etsy

If you’re searching for an ultra-specific or unique piece, consider giving Etsy a try. Craftsmen and antiquers nationwide put pieces up for sale on the site, meaning you can score a unique purchase and support independent small businesses at the same time.

If you have unique dimensions that must be fitted, Etsy is a good place to check as well. You may be able to score a custom piece from a weekend hobbyist or local artist without the cost tag or timeline of a professional contractor.

Contacting Manufacturers

Lastly, you may choose to contact manufacturers directly. If you see a piece of furniture you like in a showroom or online, consider purchasing directly from the company that constructs the piece rather than from the retailer (Target, Amazon, or Wayfair, as examples). This can frequently trim down your wait and your cost by cutting out the middle man. While numerous companies do not offer the option of selling directly to consumers, it never hurts to ask. 

Finding alternatives to the traditional supply chain can help you to acquire pieces more quickly than traditional processing and shipping times may allow. With furniture costing more- and taking longer to ship- you might consider one of these less-conventional methods for locating the piece you want. In addition to filling your home with character, you may also be making a decision that is friendlier for your environment and for your wallet than traditional furniture shopping. 

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Final Thoughts

Before you check out, double-check make fast cheap furniture against current offers and any coupons you can stack. Small habits like this add up to real savings over a year.

Originally published at savingswitch.com.